Method of operating phase-lock assistant circuitry

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a charge pump of a phase-lock assistant circuit includes determining a first relative timing relationship of a phase of a data signal to a phase of a first phase clock. A second relative timing relationship of the phase of the data signal to a phase of a second phase clock is determined, and the first and second phase clocks have a 45° phase difference. An up signal and a down signal are generated in response to the first relative timing relationship and the second relative timing relationship. The charge pump circuit is driven according to the up signal and the down signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/448,878, filed on Apr. 17, 2012, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/835,130, filed Jul. 13, 2010, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to phase-lock-loop basedclock-data recovery (PLL-based CDR) circuitry, and more specifically toa phase-lock assistant circuit.

BACKGROUND

The clock-data recovery (CDR) circuitry based on a phase-lock loop (PLL)usually includes two loops. A first loop brings the frequency of thevoltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) (e.g., the CDR frequency) closer tothe frequency of the input data (e.g., the input frequency) while asecond loop locks the phase of the VCO into that of the input data. Insome approaches related to the two-loop structure using the spreadspectrum clock (SSC), however, if the input frequency varies at thetransition from the first loop to the second loop, the VCO does not lockinto the input data. As a result, there is a need to solve the aboveproblem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forthin the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other featuresand advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, andclaims.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an illustrative circuit, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a graph of a waveform illustrating how a set of three phaseclocks and a data signal are used in determining the relative timingrelationship between the clock and the data signal in FIG. 1, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a graph of waveforms illustrating how the relative timingrelationship of the clock and the data signal in FIG. 1 is determinedusing multiple clock signals, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating how signals are generated to adjustthe frequency of the output of the voltage-controlled oscillator in FIG.1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a detailed circuit of the phase detector of FIG.1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D show truth tables illustrating an operation of the circuitin FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the phase lock assistant of FIG.1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram of the circuit UPDOWN01 of FIG. 7, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a detailed circuit of circuit BB of FIG. 8, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10C show truth tables illustrating an operation of the circuitin FIG. 8, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a detailed circuit of the circuit UPDOWN in FIG. 7, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12D show truth tables illustrating an operation of the circuitin FIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings are now disclosedusing specific language. It will nevertheless be understood that theembodiments and examples are not intended to be limiting. Anyalterations and modifications in the disclosed embodiments, and anyfurther applications of the principles disclosed in this document arecontemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in thepertinent art. Reference numbers may be repeated throughout theembodiments, but they do not require that feature(s) of one embodimentapply to another embodiment, even if they share the same referencenumber.

Some embodiments have one or a combination of the following featuresand/or advantages. Some embodiments include a phase-lock assistantcircuit that aligns the input data and the VCO output to improve thephase lock between the input data and the VCO output. Some embodimentsare used in applications with a SSC input and/or where there is adeviation between the frequency of the input data and the referenceclock, but the input and the VCO output are also locked.

Exemplary Circuit

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary CDR circuit 100 that uses someembodiments. CDR circuit 100 generates a clock (e.g., signal) OVCO basedon the input data IN. Those skilled in the art will recognize that afirst signal (e.g., a clock) having a frequency higher than that of asecond signal (e.g., data) indicates that the clock is faster than thedata. Similarly, the data having a frequency lower than that of theclock is slower than the clock. In contrast, the clock is earlier thanthe data if a relevant edge (e.g., the rising edge) of the clock isbefore a relevant edge of the data.

In some embodiments, signal OVCO generates eight phase clockscorresponding to eight phases, including phase 0° (e.g., Clk_0), phase45° (e.g., Clk_45), phase 90° (e.g., Clk_90), phase 135° (e.g.,Clk_135), phase 180° (e.g., Clk_180), phase 225° (e.g., Clk_225), phase270° (e.g., Clk_270), and phase 315° (e.g., Clk_315). Clocks Clk_0,Clk_45, Clk_90, Clk_135, Clk_180, Clk_225, Clk_270 and Clk_315 run atthe same frequency but at different phases (e.g., different times). Inanother words, clocks Clk_0, Clk_45, Clk_90, Clk_135, Clk_180, Clk_225,Clk_270 and Clk_315 are in an order of being early to being late. Forexample, clock Clk_0 transitions earlier than clock Clk_45, clock Clk_45transitions earlier than clock Clk_90, clock Clk_90 transitions earlierthan clock Clk_135, etc.

Divide-by-N circuit DBN divides the frequency of signal OVCO (e.g.,frequency FOVCO, not labeled) by an integer N, resulting in frequencyFVCODBN where FVCODBN=FOVCO/N.

Phase frequency detector PFD enables output frequency FVCODBN of circuitDBN to be substantially close to (e.g., the same as) the frequency ofthe reference clock REFCLK (e.g., frequency FREFCLK). For example, ifclock OVCO is faster than clock REFCLK (e.g., frequency FVCODBN ishigher than frequency FREFCLK), then phase frequency detector PFDgenerates a “down” signal OPFD for charge pump PFD CP to drive low passfilter LPF to decrease frequency FVCO of oscillator VCO and thusfrequency FVCODBN. If clock OVCO is slower than clock REFCLK (e.g.,frequency FVCODBN is lower than frequency FREFCLK), phase frequencydetector PFD generates an “up” signal OPFD for charge pump PFD CP todrive low pass filter LPF to increase frequency FVCO and thus frequencyFVCODBN.

Phase detector PD enables the phase of input data IN (e.g., PHIN) to beclose to (e.g., the same as) the 90° phase of clock OVCO (i.e., therelevant data edge DE of input data IN to be close to (e.g., alignedwith) the rising edge of clock Clk_90). If clock OVCO is earlier thaninput data IN, phase detector PD generates a “down” signal OPD forcharge pump PD CP to drive low pass filter LPF to decrease frequencyFVCO. But if clock OVCO is later than input data IN, phase detector PDgenerates an “up” signal OPD for charge pump PD CP to drive low passfilter LPF to increase frequency FVCO. Decreasing or increasingfrequency FVCO respectively decreases or increases the frequency ofclock Clk_90, enabling the data edge DE to be aligned with the risingedge of clock Clk_90 (e.g., phase locking input data IN to clockClk_90).

In some situations, using only phase detector PD without a phaseassistant PLA to phase lock input data IN and clock Clk_90 enables adata edge DE to be close to but not completely aligned with the risingedge of clock Clk_90. Phase lock assistant PLA improves the phase lock,e.g., enables data edge DE to be (substantially) aligned with the risingedge of clock Clk_90. For example, If clock Clk_90 is earlier than inputdata IN, phase lock assistant PLA generates a “down” signal OPLA forcharge pump PLA CP to drive low pass filter LPF to decrease frequencyFVCO to slow down clock OVCO or clock Clk_90, and thus improves thephase lock. But if clock OVCO is later than input data IN, phase lockassistant PLA generates an “up” signal OPLA for charge pump PLA CP todrive low pass filter LPF to increase frequency FVCO to speed up clockOVCO or clock Clk_90, and thus improve the phase lock.

The charge pumps PLA CP, PFD CP, and PD CP function with the phase lockassistant PLA, phase frequency detector PFD, and phase detector PD,respectively. One of the charge pumps PLA CP, PFD CP, or PD CP,depending on the respective input signals OPLA, OPFD, or OPD, generatesthe appropriate signal OCP corresponding to each respective signal OPLA,OPFD, or OPD. FIG. 1 shows three charge pumps PLA CP, PFD CP, and PD CPin accordance with some embodiments, but, in accordance with somefurther embodiments, one charge pump (e.g., a charge pump CP) is used byall three phase lock assistant PLA, phase frequency detector PFD, andphase detector PD. For example, a multiplexer is used to select and thusprovides one of the outputs OPLA, OPFD, and OPD of the respective phaselock assistant PLA, phase frequency detector PFD, and phase detector PDto charge pump CP.

Signal OCP enables low pass filter LPF to generate signal OLPF toincrease/decrease frequency FOVCO.

Lock detector LD compares signal REFCLK and OVCO and generates a signalOLD to control phase lock assistant PLA, phase frequency detector PFD,and phase detector PD. In some embodiments, if frequency FVCODBN islocked to frequency FREFCLK, lock detector LD generates a “locked”signal OLD to turn off phase frequency detector PFD and turn onsimultaneously phase lock assistant PLA and phase detector PD. But iffrequency FVCODBN is not locked to frequency FREFCLK, lock detector LDgenerates a “not locked” signal OLD turn on phase frequency detector PFDand turn off simultaneously phase lock assistant PLA and phase detectorPD.

In some embodiments, frequency FVCODBN is locked to the frequency ofinput data IN (e.g., frequency FIN), and phase PHIN is aligned with(e.g., locked to) clock Clk_90 (e.g., the data edge DE is aligned withthe rising edge of clock Clk_90). When phase PHIN is locked to clockClk_90, input data IN is latched by clock OVCO having sufficient setupand hold time for clock OVCO.

Determining the Timing Relationship Between the Data and the Clock

FIG. 2 is a diagram of waveform 200 illustrating an operation of phasedetector PD, in accordance with some embodiments. Phase detector PDsamples input data IN by the rising edge of clock OVCO at three phases0°, 90°, and 180° represented by three respective clocks Clk_0, Clk_90,and Clk_180. In some embodiments, if the sampling result (e.g., RSMP90)of clock Clk_90 sampling input data IN is the same as the samplingresult RSMP0 of clock Clk_0 sampling input data IN, clock OVCO isearlier than input data IN, but if the sampling result RSMP90 is thesame as the sampling result RSM180 of clock Clk_180 sampling input dataIN then clock OVCO is later than input data IN. In the illustration ofFIG. 2, the sampling result RSMP0 is a logical “0” (e.g., a low logiclevel, a Low). The sampling result RSMP180 a logical “1” (e.g., a highlogic level, a High). As a result, if the sampling result RSMP90 isHigh, i.e., the same as the sampling result RSMP180, then clock OVCO islater than input data IN. But if the sampling result RSMP90 is Low,i.e., the same as the sampling result RSMP0, then clock OVCO is earlierthan input data IN.

FIG. 3 is a graph of waveforms illustrating the timing relationship(e.g., how late/early) between clock OVCO and input data IN based ondifferent phase clocks of clock OVCO, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, input data IN is phase locked to the90° phase of signal OVCO. Stated another way, the data edge DE isaligned to the rising edge of clock Clk_90, but so that the phasedetector PD operating in the areas neighboring the rising edge of clockClk_90 (e.g., regions I and II) is not disturbed, the phase lockassistant PLA is configured to operate in regions III and IV (e.g., thesignal comparisons are performed in regions III and IV). Even though thecomparison regions are shifted from regions I and II to regions III andIV, the comparison results indicating the timing relationship betweenclocks OVCO and input data IN are the same as if the comparisons areperformed in the regions I and II.

The line “Clk_0 to data” showing regions late_a and early_a indicateswhether clock OVCO is late or early with respect to input data IN usingthe rising edge of clock Clk_0 as a reference. The regions late_a andearly_a are determined using clocks Clk_0, Clk_90 and Clk_180 samplinginput data IN as illustrated in FIG. 2. For simplicity, clock Clk_180 isnot shown. For example, if data edge DE is between times t1 and t3, t5and t7, and t9 and t11, clock OVCO is later than input data IN. If,however, data edge DE is between times t3 and t5, t7 and t9, clock OVCOis earlier than input data IN.

The line “Clk_45 to data” showing regions late_b and early_b indicateswhether clock OVCO is late or early with respect to input data IN usingthe rising edge of clock Clk_45 as a reference. The regions late_b andearly_b are determined using clocks Clk_45, Clk_135 and Clk_225 samplinginput data IN as illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein clocks Clk_45, Clk_135and Clk_225 correspond to clocks Clk_0, Clk_90 and Clk_180,respectively. For simplicity, clock Clk_225 is not shown. For example,if data edge DE is between times t2 and t4, t6 and t8, and t10 and t12,clock OVCO is later than input data IN. If the data edge DE, however, isbetween times t4 and t6, t8 and t10, clock OVCO is earlier than inputdata IN.

In some embodiments, a combination of the regions late_a, early_a,late_b, and early_b are used to determine the timing relationship (e.g.,late/early) between clock OVCO and input data IN and the movingdirection of input data IN with respect to clock OVCO. For example, ifusing the two sets of clocks Clk_0, Clk_90 and Clk_180, and Clk_45,Clk_135 and Clk_225 to sample data edge DE, and the results reveal thatdata edge DE is in the region III (e.g., between times t4 and t5 orregions early_a and early_b) in a first clock cycle (e.g., cycle n−1)and in the region IV (e.g., between times t5 and t6 or in regions late_aand early_b) in a subsequent cycle (e.g., cycle n), then input data INis moving from the left to the right passing time t5 or input data IN islater than clock OVCO. In contrast, if the sampling results reveal thatinput data IN is in the region IV (e.g., late_a and early_b) in cyclen−1 and in the region III (e.g., early_a and early_b) in cycle n, thendata IN is moving from the right to the left passing time t5 or inputdata IN is earlier than clock OVCO. Once the relationship is determined,appropriate signals (e.g., signals UP and DN in FIG. 7) are generatedaccordingly to increase or decrease the frequency of clock OVCO.

Exemplary Method

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 illustrating how signals (e.g., signals UP andDN) are generated to increase/decrease the frequency of clock OVCO, inaccordance with some embodiments. For illustration, regions I, II, III,IV, V correspond to the regions between times t2 and t3, t3 and t4, t4,and t5, t5 and t6, and t6 and t7, respectively. Alternatively expressed,regions I, II, III, IV, and V correspond to the regions late_a andlate_b, early_a and late_b, early_a and early_b, late_a and early_b, andlate_a and late_b, respectively.

In block 405, if condition 1 is true, that is, if input data IN is inregion V (e.g., late_a and late_b) in clock cycle n−1 and in region IV(e.g., late_a and early_b) in clock cycle n, then input data IN ismoving from the right to the left passing time t6, which indicates thatclock OVCO is later than input data IN. As a result, phase lockassistance PLA in step 407 generates a logical “1” for the “UP” signal(FIG. 7) of signal OPLA so that charge pump PLA CP generates acorresponding signal OCP to increase frequency FVCO making clock OVCOfaster. Method 400 then flows to step 430 where the clock cycle n isincreased (e.g., n=n+1), or, stated another way, the clock proceeds tothe next cycle.

If condition 1, however, is not true, then in step 410, if condition 2is true, that is, if input data IN is in region III (e.g., early_a andearly_b) in cycle n−1 and in region II (e.g., early_a and late_b) incycle n, then input data IN is moving from the right to the left passingtime t2, which indicates that clock OVCO has been aligned (e.g., phaselocked) with data IN. As a result, phase lock assistant PLA in step 412generates a logical “0” for the UP signal so that charge pump PLA CPgenerates a corresponding signal OCP to not increase frequency FVCO.Clock OVCO and input data IN are now aligned (e.g., phase locked).

In some embodiments, the method 400 loops through steps 405, 407, and430 many times before proceeding to step 410 then step 412. Expresseddifferently, initially clock OVCO is later than input data IN, and ittakes many clock cycles for input data IN to transition through regionsIV and III before reaching region II or for PLA to increase frequencyFVCO many times before data edge DE is aligned with the rising edge ofclock Clk_90.

In block 415, if none of the condition 1 or condition 2 is true, and ifcondition 3 is true, that is, if input data IN is in region II (e.g.,ealry_a and late_b) in clock cycle n−1 and in region III (e.g., early_aand early_b) in clock cycle n, then input data IN is moving from theleft to the right passing time t2, which indicates that clock OVCO isearlier than input data IN. As a result, phase lock assistance PLA instep 417 generates a logical “1” for the “DN” signal (FIG. 7) of signalOPLA so that charge pump PLA CP generates a corresponding signal OCP todecrease frequency FVCO making clock OVCO slower. Method 400 then flowsto step 430 where the clock proceeds to the next cycle.

If condition 3, however, is not true, then in step 420, if condition 4is true, that is, if input data IN is in region IV (e.g., late_a andearly_b) in cycle n−1 and in region V (e.g., late_a and late_b) in cyclen, then input data IN is moving from the left to the right passing timet6, which indicates that clock OVCO has been aligned with input data IN.As a result, phase lock assistant PLA in step 412 generates a logical“0” for the DN signal so that charge pump PLA CP generates acorresponding signal OCP to not decrease frequency FOVCO. Clock OVCO anddata IN are now aligned (e.g., phase locked).

In some embodiments, the method 400 loops through steps 415, 417, and430 many times before proceeding to step 420 then step 422. Expresseddifferently, initially clock OVCO is earlier than input data IN, and ittakes many clock cycles for input data IN to transition through regionsIII and IV before reaching region V or for PLA to decrease frequencyFOVCO many times before data edge DE is aligned with the rising edge ofclock Clk_90.

The Phase Detector Circuit

FIG. 5 is a detailed schematic diagram 500 of phase detector PD (e.g.,PD 500) in accordance with some embodiments. Flip-flops FF, Exclusive-ORgates XO and AND gates AD are means for PD 500 to use clocks Clk_1,Clk_2, and Clk_3 to sample data Data and generates signals Late andEarly as illustrated in FIG. 2. Clocks Clk_2 and Clk_3 are 180° and 90°out of phase with clock Clk_1, respectively. If the sampling result ofclock Clk_3 is the same as the sampling result of clock Clk_2, thenclock Clk_1 is later than Data, and signal Late is generated (e.g.,high). But if the sampling result of clock Clk_3 is the same as thesampling result of clock Clk_1, then clock Clk_1 is earlier than Dataand signal Early is generated “true.” If signal Early is true, thencharge pump PD CP generates an “dn” signal OCP for low pass filter LPFto decrease frequency FVCO, but if signal Late is true, then charge pumpPD CP generates a “up” signal OCP for low pass filter to increasefrequency FVCO.

In some embodiments, PD 500 is also used in phase lock assistant PLA(FIG. 7). Consequently, clocks Clk_1, Clk_2, and Clk_3 correspond toclocks Clk_0, Clk_180, and Clk_90, data Data correspond to input data INand signals Late and Early correspond to the respective regions late_a,early_a in FIG. 3. As a result, signals (e.g., signals late_A andearly_A) are generated corresponding to the regions late_a and early_a,respectively, based on the results of clocks Clk_0, Clk_90, and Clk_180sampling input data IN. In some further embodiments, clocks Clk_1,Clk_2, and Clk_3 correspond to clocks Clk_45, Clk_225, and Clk_135, dataData correspond to input data IN and signals Late and Early correspondto the respective regions late_b, early_b in FIG. 3. As a result,signals (e.g., signals late_B and early_B) are generated correspondingto the regions late_b and early_b, respectively, based on the results ofclocks Clk_45, Clk_135, and Clk_225 sampling input data IN.

In some embodiments, PD 500, based on signals Q_1 and Q_2, alsogenerates signal Toggle for use in FIG. 7 below.

FIGS. 6A-6D show truth tables 600A-D illustrating an operation of PD 500of FIG. 5 in accordance with some embodiments. Truth tables 600A-Cillustrate the operation of the respective outputs Q_1, Q_2, and Q_3having data Data and the respective clocks Clk_1, Clk_2, and Clk_3 asinputs. In tables 600A, 600B, and 600C, the respective outputs Q_1, Q_2,and Q_3 follow the input Data at the rising edge of the respectiveclocks Clk_1, Clk_2, and Clk_3, and are unchanged otherwise. Truth table600D shows the operation of signals Late and Early having signals Q_1,Q_2, and Q_3 and Clk_1 as inputs. Signals Late, Early, and Toggle areunchanged when clock Clk_1 is at a constant level Low or High, and areat a logic level Low or High at the rising edge of clock Clk_1 as shownin the table.

The Phase Lock Assistant Circuit

FIG. 7 is a block diagram 700 of phase lock assistant PLA (e.g., PLA700) in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, phasedetector PD1 and PD2 are implemented using PD 500. Phase detector PD1uses clocks Clk_0, Clk_90, and Clk_180 to sample input data IN andgenerate signals early_A and late_A corresponding to the regions early_aand late_a as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. Phase detector PD2 usesclocks Clk_45, Clk_135, and Clk_225 to sample input data IN and generatesignals early_B and late_B corresponding to the regions early_b andlate_b as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. Clocks Clk_45, Clk_135, andClk_225 correspond to clocks Clk_0, Clk_90, and Clk_180, and clocksClk_1, Clk_3, and Clk_2, respectively. Additionally, phase detector PD1generates signal Toggle_a to activate circuit UPDOWN and thus signals UPand DN when input data IN is transitioning (e.g., from a low to a highor from a high to a low).

Circuit UPDOWN01 receives input signals early_A, late_A, early_B,late_B, and clock Clk_0 as inputs and generates outputs Up_1, Up_0,Dn_1, and D_0. In some embodiments, circuit UPDOWN01 includescombinatorial logic circuitry. In some further embodiments, circuitUPDOWN01 is a state machine.

Circuit UPDOWN receives input signals Up_1, Up_0, Dn_1, Dn_0, andToggle_a, and generates signal UP and DN.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram 800 illustrating a detailed diagram of circuitUPDOWN01 in FIG. 7, in accordance with some embodiments.

Circuits B1, B2, B3, and B4 generate signals Up_1, Dn_1, Up_0, and Dn_0,respectively. Each circuit B1, B2, B3, and B4 is implemented from acircuit “BB” (shown in FIG. 9 below) having the same input terminals A,B, C, D, and clock, and generating an output Q. As a result, circuitsB1, B2, B3, and B4 function in the same way except that they eachreceive different inputs at their input terminals and generate differentoutputs at respective output terminals Q. For example, circuit B1receives inputs Late_A, Late_B, Late_A, and Early_B at the respectiveterminals A, B, C, and D, and generates signal Up_1. Circuit B2 receivesinputs Early_A, Late_B, Early_A, and Late_B at the respective terminalsA, B, C, and D, and generates signal Dn_1 at the respective outputterminal Q, etc. In some embodiments, each circuit B1, B2, B3, and B4 isa state machine.

FIG. 9 is a detailed diagram 900 illustrating an implementation of acircuit BB of FIG. 8, in accordance with some embodiments. Nodes A_FFand B_FF are the internal outputs of circuit 900 (e.g., the outputs ofthe respective flip flops FF). Circuit 900 receives inputs A, B, C, andD and clock Clk_0, and, using flip-flops FF and a four-input AND gateAD4, generates an output Q.

FIGS. 10A-10C show the truth tables 1000A, 1000B, and 1000C illustratingan operation of circuit BB in FIG. 9, in accordance with someembodiments. In table 1000A, output A_FF depends on input signal A andclock Clk_0. In some embodiments, at the rising edge of clock Clk_0,output A_FF follows input A (e.g., output A_FF is High if input A isHigh, and output A_FF is Low if input A is Low). When clock Clk_0 is ata constant level (e.g., Low or High), output A_FF is unchanged.Similarly, in table 1000B, output B_FF depends on input signal B andclock Clk_0. In some embodiments, at the rising edge of clock Clk_0,output B_FF follows input B (e.g., output A_FF is High if input A isHigh, and output B_FF is Low if input A is Low). When clock Clk_0 is ata constant level (e.g., Low or High), output A_FF is unchanged. In table1000C, output Q depends on signals A_FF, B_FF, C, and D. Output Q isHigh when all signals A_FF, B_FF, C, and D are high. Otherwise, output Qis low.

FIG. 11 is a detailed diagram 1100 of circuit UPDOWN in FIG. 7 (e.g.,circuit 1100), in accordance with some embodiments. Signal UP isgenerated based on signals Up_0 and Up_1 passing through OR gate ORUPand AND gate ANDUP and flip-flops FFUP. Similarly, signal DN isgenerated based on signals Dn_0 and Dn_1 passing through OR gate ORDNand AND gate ANDDN and flip-flops FFDN. Signals UP and DN are activatedwhen signal Toggle_a is activated (e.g., high, when input data IN istransitioning).

FIGS. 12A-12D show truth tables 1200A, 1200B, 1200C, and 1200Dillustrating an operation of circuit 1100 in accordance with someembodiments. In table 1200A, signal UP_int depends on signals Up_0,Up_1, and clock Clk_0. Signal UP_int is unchanged when clock Clk_0 is ata constant level (e.g., Low or High) or both signals Up_0 and Up_1 areLow. At the rising edge of clock Clk_0 signal UP_int is Low when signalUp_0 is High, and signal UP_int is High when signals UP_0 and UP_1 areLow and High, respectively. In table 1200B, signal UP depends on signalsUP_int, Toggle, and Clk_0. Signal UP is unchanged when clock Clk_0 is ata constant level High or Low. At the rising edge of clock Clk_0, signalUP is High when both signals UP_int and Toggle are High, and is Lowotherwise.

In table 1200C, signal DN_int depends on signals Up_0, Up_(—)1, andclock Clk_0. Signal DN_int is unchanged when clock Clk_0 is at aconstant level Low or High, or both signals Dn_0 and Dn_1 are Low. Atthe rising edge of clock Clk_0 signal DN_int is Low when signal Dn_0 isHigh, and signal DN_int is High when signals DN_0 and DN_1 are Low andHigh, respectively. In table 1200D, signal DN depends on signals DN_int,Toggle, and Clk_0. Signal DN is unchanged when clock Clk_0 is at aconstant level High or Low. At the rising edge of clock Clk_0, signal DNis High when both signals DN_int and Toggle are High, and is Lowotherwise.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a charge pump ofa phase-lock assistant circuit includes determining a first relativetiming relationship of a phase of a data signal to a phase of a firstphase clock. A second relative timing relationship of the phase of thedata signal to a phase of a second phase clock is determined, and thefirst and second phase clocks have a 45° phase difference. An up signaland a down signal are generated in response to the first relative timingrelationship and the second relative timing relationship. The chargepump circuit is driven according to the up signal and the down signal.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of operating a chargepump of a phase-lock assistant circuit includes determining a relativetiming relationship of a phase of a data signal to a phase of a firstphase clock. An up signal is set to a high logic value if the relativetiming relationship indicates that a rising edge of the data signalfalls within 45° to 90° of the first phase clock or 225° to 270° of thefirst phase clock. The up signal is set to a low logic value if therelative timing relationship indicates that the rising edge of the datasignal falls within 135° to 180° of the first phase clock or 315° to360° of the first phase clock. A down signal is set to the high logicvalue if the relative timing relationship indicates that the rising edgeof the data signal falls within 90° to 130° of the first phase clock or270° to 315° of the first phase clock. The down signal is set to the lowlogic value if the relative timing relationship indicates that therising edge of the data signal falls within 0° to 45° of the first phaseclock or 180° to 225° of the c first phase lock. The charge pump circuitis driven according to the up signal and the down signal.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method includes, by a firstcircuit, an input signal, a first phase clock, a second phase clock, anda third phase clock. A first early signal and a first late signal aregenerated by the first circuit in response to the input signal, thefirst phase clock, the second phase clock, and the third phase clock.The input signal, a fourth phase clock, a fifth phase clock, and a sixthphase clock are received by a second circuit. A second early signal anda second late signal are generated by the second circuit in response tothe input signal, the fourth phase clock, the fifth phase clock, and thesixth phase clock. The first phase clock and the fourth phase clock havea 45° phase difference.

A number of embodiments have been described. It will nevertheless beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. The above method embodiments showexemplary steps, but they are not necessarily performed in the ordershown. Steps may be added, replaced, changed order, and/or eliminated asappropriate, in accordance with the spirit and scope of the disclosedembodiments. Each claim of this document constitutes a separateembodiment, and embodiments that combine different claims and/ordifferent embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure and will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing thisdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a charge pump of aphase-lock assistant circuit, the method comprising: determining a firstrelative timing relationship of a phase of a data signal to a phase of afirst phase clock; determining a second relative timing relationship ofthe phase of the data signal to a phase of a second phase clock, thefirst and second phase clocks having a 45° phase difference; generatingan up signal and a down signal in response to the first relative timingrelationship and the second relative timing relationship; and drivingthe charge pump circuit according to the up signal and the down signal.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the first relativetiming relationship comprises: setting a first signal to a high logiclevel if a rising edge of the data signal falls within phase 90° to 180°of the first phase clock or phase 270° to 360° of the first phase clock;and setting a second signal to the high logic level if the rising edgeof the data signal falls within phase 0° to 90° of the first phase clockor phase 180° to 270° of the first phase clock.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the setting the first and second signals are performed by aphase detector, and the determining the first relative timingrelationship further comprises: receiving the data signal and the firstphase clock by the phase detector.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thedetermining the first relative timing relationship further comprises:receiving a third phase clock and a fourth phase clock by the phasedetector, the first phase clock and the third phase clock having a 180°phase difference, and the first phase clock and the fourth phase clockhaving a 90° phase difference.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining the second relative timing relationship comprises: setting afirst signal to a high logic level if a rising edge of the data signalfalls within phase 90° to 180° of the second phase clock or phase 270°to 360° of the second phase clock; and setting a second signal to thehigh logic level if the rising edge of the data signal falls withinphase 0° to 90° of the second phase clock or phase 180° to 270° of thesecond phase clock.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the setting thefirst and second signals are performed by a phase detector, and thedetermining the second relative timing relationship further comprises:receiving the data signal and the second phase clock by the phasedetector.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the determining the secondrelative timing relationship further comprises: receiving a third phaseclock and a fourth phase clock by the phase detector, the second phaseclock and the third phase clock having a 180° phase difference, and thesecond phase clock and the fourth phase clock having a 90° phasedifference.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating the upsignal comprises: setting the up signal to a high logic value if thefirst relative timing relationship and the second relative timingrelationship indicates that a rising edge of the data signal fallswithin phase 0° to 90° of the first phase clock or phase 180° to 270° ofthe first phase clock, and within phase 0° to 90° of the second phaseclock or phase 180° to 270° of the second phase clock.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the generating the up signal comprises: setting the upsignal to a low logic value if the first relative timing relationshipand the second relative timing relationship indicates that a rising edgeof the data signal falls within phase 90° to 180° of the first phaseclock or phase 270° to 360° of the first phase clock, and within phase90° to 180° of the second phase clock or phase 270° to 360° of thesecond phase clock.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the generatingthe down signal comprises: setting the down signal to a high logic valueif the first relative timing relationship and the second relative timingrelationship indicates that a rising edge of the data signal fallswithin phase 90° to 180° of the first phase clock or phase 270° to 360°of the first phase clock, and within phase 0° to 90° of the second phaseclock or phase 180° to 270° of the second phase clock.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the generating the down signal comprises: setting thedown signal to a low logic value if the first relative timingrelationship and the second relative timing relationship indicates thata rising edge of the data signal falls within phase 0° to 90° of thefirst phase clock or phase 180° to 270° of the first phase clock, andwithin phase 90° to 180° of the second phase clock or phase 270° to 360°of the second phase clock.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein thedetermining the first relative timing relationship comprises: setting afirst signal to a high logic level if a rising edge of the data signalfalls within phase 90° to 180° or phase 270° to 360° of the first phaseclock; and setting a second signal to the high logic level if the risingedge of the data signal falls within phase 0° to 90° or phase 180° to270° of the first phase clock, and the determining the second relativetiming relationship comprises: setting a third signal to the high logiclevel if the rising edge of the data signal falls within phase 90° to180° or phase 270° to 360° of the second phase clock; and setting afourth signal to the high logic level if the rising edge of the datasignal falls within phase 0° to 90° or phase 180° to 270° of the secondphase clock.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the generating the upsignal comprises: setting the up signal to the high logic level if thesecond signal and the fourth signal are set to the high logic level; andsetting the up signal to a low logic level if the first signal and thethird signal are set to the high logic level.
 14. The method of claim12, wherein the generating the down signal comprises: setting the downsignal to the high logic level if the first signal and the fourth signalare set to the high logic level; and setting the up signal to the lowlogic level if the second signal and the third signal are set to thehigh logic level.
 15. A method of operating a charge pump of aphase-lock assistant circuit, the method comprising: determining arelative timing relationship of a phase of a data signal to a phase of afirst phase clock; setting an up signal to a high logic value if therelative timing relationship indicates that a rising edge of the datasignal falls within phase 45° to 90° or phase 225° to 270° of the firstphase clock; setting the up signal to a low logic value if the relativetiming relationship indicates that the rising edge of the data signalfalls within phase 135° to 180° or phase 315° to 360° of the first phaseclock; setting a down signal to the high logic value if the relativetiming relationship indicates that the rising edge of the data signalfalls within phase 90° to 130° or phase 270° to 315° of the first phaseclock; setting the down signal to the low logic value if the relativetiming relationship indicates that the rising edge of the data signalfalls within phase 0° to 45° or phase 180° to 225° of the first phaselock; and driving the charge pump circuit according to the up signal andthe down signal.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining arelative timing relationship is performed by a first phase detector anda second phase detector and comprises: generating, by the first phasedetector, a first set of signals representing a first relative timingrelationship of a phase of the data signal to phases of the first phaseclock and a second phase clock, the first phase clock and the secondphase clock having a 180° phase difference; and generating, by thesecond phase detector, a second set of signals representing a secondrelative timing relationship of the phase of the data signal to phasesof a third phase clock and a fourth phase clock, the first phase clockand the third phase clock having a 45° phase difference, and the thirdphase clock and the fourth phase clock having a 180° phase difference.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the generating the first set ofsignals comprises: setting a first signal of the first set of signals toa high logic level if a rising edge of the data signal falls withinphase 90° to 180° or phase 270° to 360° of the first phase clock; andsetting a second signal of the first set of signals to the high logiclevel if the rising edge of the data signal falls within phase 0° to 90°or phase 180° to 270° of the first phase clock.
 18. The method of claim16, wherein the generating the second set of signals comprises: settinga first signal of the second set of signals to the high logic level if arising edge of the data signal falls within phase 90° to 180° or phase270° to 360° of the second phase clock; and setting a second signal ofthe second set of signals to the high logic level if the rising edge ofthe data signal falls within phase 0° to 90° or phase 180° to 270° ofthe second phase clock.
 19. A method comprising: receiving, by a firstcircuit, an input signal, a first phase clock, a second phase clock, anda third phase clock; generating, by the first circuit, a first earlysignal and a first late signal in response to the input signal, thefirst phase clock, the second phase clock, and the third phase clock;receiving, by a second circuit, the input signal, a fourth phase clock,a fifth phase clock, and a sixth phase clock; and generating, by thesecond circuit, a second early signal and a second late signal inresponse to the input signal, the fourth phase clock, the fifth phaseclock, and the sixth phase clock, the first phase clock and the fourthphase clock having a 45° phase difference.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the second phase clock has a 180° phase compared with the firstphase clock; the third phase clock has a 90° phase compared with thefirst phase clock; the fourth phase clock has a 45° phase compared withthe first phase clock; the fifth phase clock is has a 270° phasecompared with the first phase clock; and the sixth phase clock has a135° phase compared with the first phase clock.